Postdoctoral Fellowships support early career researchers who have not received significant research funding to undertake research into the causes, prevention, detection, and supportive care or treatment of cancer.
These fellowships  provide greater career growth and certainty for individuals, as well assist in building research capacity and continuity for the Victorian institutions. 

Professor Erica Sloan, Chair of the Postdoctoral Research Fellowships Assessment Committee, explains what makes a great application.

Availble funding

Up to two Fellowships are available with a maximum of $150,000 available per year, per Fellowship, for up to three years (maximum $450,000 per Fellowship). In addition to one (1) general Fellowships, there is one (1) targeted Fellowship available for research that supports the diagnosis and/or treatment of mesothelioma.

Eligibility

We invite applications from the full spectrum of Victorian cancer research activity including psychosocial, palliative care, allied health, epidemiology, health economics, behavioural and clinical research. Applications are encouraged from both clinical and laboratory-based early career researchers.

To be eligible for this funding the application must satisfy all the points below:

• Awarded a PhD three or fewer years ago at the EOI close date. Evidence of award date (e.g., a certified, copy of notice of award) will be required at Stage 1 (Expression of Interest). 
• Has received less than $750,000 (AUD$) in total research grant funding as the Chief Investigator A or Principal investigator at the time of EOI closing date.
• Undertakes the Fellowship with a primary appointment (0.8-1.0 FTE) in a research role at a Victorian administering organisation (e.g., university, health service, medical or scientific research institute). The 0.8-1.0 FTE commitment must be dedicated to the proposed research and applies across the Fellowship period. The application submission includes certification by the Administering Organisation (certifying they agree to cover any funding gaps such as salary, leave, corporate services) and Head of Department of where the research work will take place.
• Must be under the direct supervision of a mentor(s) for the duration of the Fellowship. At least one mentor at the applicant’s institution is required. The mentor(s) provides direct supervision and supports the Fellow’s career development.
• Is an Australian citizen or graduate from overseas with permanent Australian resident status at the time of EOI closing date

• Does not hold a Postdoctoral Fellowship that provides salary support at the time of EOI close or at any time during the Fellowship if successful.

• Confirmation from the administering organisation of support for the application and guarantee the organisation will cover any funding gaps (e.g., corporate services charges, salary and leave payments).

Grant selection process and criteria

Frequently asked questions and answers

I’m looking to apply but have also applied for other funding, do I need to declare this?
Yes, an applicant is able to apply for/ have already applied for funding however, this must be declared.

I’m interested in researching mesothelioma but don’t have experience in this area, can I apply for a targeted grant?
Yes, researchers are encouraged to consider applying for cancer types they have not researched before. However, it’s important that an applicant can showcase the significance of their project and exhibit the skills they currently withhold and how these will assist research in this area. 

I am currently work in a senior level/ management position am I eligible to apply?
Yes, you are eligible to apply. You will need to ensure that that 0.8-1.0 FTE needs to be dedicated to the proposed research. 

Can my proposed research focus on survivorship? 
Yes, it may. We encourage applications from a wide variety of research areas.

I have applied to become a permanent resident of Australia, am I eligible to apply? 
Applicants must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia at the time of submitting the application and throughout the entire duration of the grant.
Successful applicants may be asked for proof of citizenship, residency status. 

I currently work in a contracted/ casual position. Am I eligible to apply for this year’s round?
The 0.8-1.0 FTE requirement relates to the Fellowship period and not a person’s current contract. If you would like to apply, you will need certification from the Administering Organisation (certifying they agree to cover any funding gaps such as salary, leave, corporate services) and head of department of where the research work would take place.
For the purpose of clarity, you will need support from the place where you would do the research if successful with the grant application.

Further information

If you have any questions about this funding, please contact:   

Research Governance Unit

grants@cancervic.org.au

2024 Fellowship recipients

Previous Fellowship recipients